District of Columbia

The American Red Cross is rallying citizens to create greeting cards blessing the nation's troops stationed abroad this holiday season.

Titled "Holiday Mail for Heroes," the program launched today with a public card signing and concert courtesy of the Red Cross at its Washington headquarters. The initiative solicits and collects personal messages from civilians and then distributes them to military installations like bases, camps and hospitals worldwide.

"Of the two million service members, tens of thousands will find themselves away from home during this holiday season, and others are close to home but desperately need an emotional and spiritual boost," said Gail McGovern, the Red Cross' president and CEO in a statement. "We are proud of the service members and families we have touched over the years and the many more we will reach this year." more >>

WASHINGTON – A pair of prominent evangelicals met at D.C.'s National Press Club Wednesday night and examined the part religion will play in next year's presidential election.

On the one hand was Dr. Richard Land, a proponent of traditional family values and president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. On the other was the Rev. Jim Wallis, editor and founder of Sojourners, a magazine that promotes Christian progressivism and social justice. Their talk highlighted the consensus among Christians about 2012's elections, while also showing how much remains contentious.

The duo began their discussion with the economy, an issue hitting both evangelical and secular pocketbooks across America. Both agreed it was an issue of major concern during the election, but each concluded the ongoing recession was related to different causes. more >>

WASHINGTON – GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain acknowledged that two women did file sexual harassment complaints against him while he was a member of the National Restaurant Association. However, he maintained that he was falsely accused.

During a speaking appearance at Washington, D.C.’s National Press Club, Cain told the audience, “In all of my over 40 years of business experience, running businesses and corporations, I have never sexually harassed anyone.”

The news of the sexual harassment claims broke over the weekend when Politico ran a news report alleging that “at least two female employees complained to colleagues and senior association officials about inappropriate behavior by Cain, ultimately leaving their jobs at the trade group.” more >>

Thousands of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease are expected to march through Washington D.C. next month for the "Walk to End Alzheimer's." Organized by the Alzheimer's Association, the event will converge on the National Mall Nov. 5 and raise awareness and funds for combating the neurological malady.

"There has never been a greater need for the citizens of the metro Washington region to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease by participating in the 'Walk to End Alzheimer's,'" said Susan Kudla Finn, president and CEO of the Association's National Capital Area chapter. "Funds raised will provide care and support services to the 80,000 local residents living with Alzheimer's and their families and caregivers, while also contributing to advancing critically-needed research."

Cindy Schelhorn, the Association's director of communications and marketing for its National Capital Area chapter, said Alzheimer's remains the nation's sixth largest cause of death given it lacks a cure. It causes dementia and memory loss in its victims, eventually resulting in death. Some 5.4 million Americans are currently diagnosed with the sickness, Schelhorn added, a number that could become some 16 million by 2050 without a cure. more >>

The inaugural D.C. Wine Week draws to a close this Saturday with an official “Wine Down” at D.C.’s One Lounge. Started on Oct. 15, it offers a celebration of wine, winemaking and local vine culture. It also offers a chance to discuss the role of alcohol in Christian households.

“D.C. has the highest consumption rate of wine in the U.S.,” said Alex Evans, the director of education for Arlington’s Washington Wine Academy. “Wine is way more than an alcoholic beverage. It’s a unifier and a common thread between cultures and histories.”

Evans said her organization educates District residents about wine and its role in cuisine and culture. As such, she said her workplace was immediately enthusiastic to help establish an annual wine event with similar goals like D.C. Wine Week. The education center thus hosted a Wine Week event last night by providing samplings of local vintages. more >>

Georgetown University’s Peter Nesbitt, class of 2012, has a hectic schedule. When he’s not studying or taking tests, he’s preparing for internship interviews or maintaining his social life. Despite this, there’s no place he’d rather spend time Thursday than McPherson Square, helping “Occupy D.C.” protesters there find employment opportunities.

Nesbit is the creator of “Employ the 99%. Handing out job apps to the Occupiers,” a Facebook event scheduled for noon that will provide “Occupy D.C.” protesters with job applications, military and college recruitment information and a resume workshop. The 27-year-old said his “non-protest” aims at helping protesters learn how to help themselves.

“I think myself and most Americans empathize with the frustration with the economy and political system,” Nesbitt said of the protesters. “If I can help someone to make a better career or life decision, then I feel that I have made the world a slightly better place.” more >>